There may not be a tougher category to call. But if there's a sure thing, it's Jonathan Banks, now starring in "Better Call Saul." Of course, the lingering love for "Breaking Bad" would be more than enough. But then just watch the episode "Five-O," and there's no question, as the resolutely taciturn former cop breaks down. Game over, boys. Elsewhere in the race, there's Ben Mendelsohn, who defines scene stealer as the blackest of sheep in "Bloodline," challenging Kyle Chandler at every turn. "Game of Thrones'" Peter Dinklage remains the heart and soul of the HBO epic — witness his thrilling tete-a-tete with Emilia Clarke — as yet unimagined in the book. Other likely nominees include "Homeland's" Mandy Patinkin, whose kidnap-and-rescue proved pivotal to the season's renaissance; "Ray Donovan's" Jon Voight, as creepy a father figure as ever; and "Mad Men's" John Slattery, who proved a heart did indeed beat under all those witty rejoinders.

Jonathan Pryce and Lena Headey in "Game of Thrones." Photo courtesy of HBO.

Supporting Actress:
If any character soared in this final season of "Mad Men," it was Joan: stirring speeches, epic showdowns, cutting one-liners. It was her moment. Christina Hendricks will have plenty to choose from for her clip reel. There's little question about Lena Headey's standout moment from this season of "Game of Thrones": She endured a walk of shame (body double notwithstanding) that provided an emotional climax to the season finale. That should earn her a repeat nod, along with last year's nominees — "The Good Wife's" Christine Baranski and "Downton Abbey's" Maggie Smith. Joining them: "Bloodline" matriarch Sissy Spacek, who offered a fierce foil to the feuding siblings. And finally, there's "Orange is the New Black's" Kate Mulgrew, who left viewers seeing Red.